The Phantom 8" Figure (FX Staff Exclusive) by Cast A Way Toys

I missed out on the Phantom early bird version on the Cast A Way website. I then went to order months later for the standard version and that was sold out! Cast A Way are having a delay from China receiving the figures, so I went looking elsewhere. I got really lucky scoring the exclusive FX International Staff exclusive. The sticker on the package reads : FX international , The Phantom , L' UomoMascherato Limited Edition "Thank You" Figure 2009 Edition Size 150. Like most others, I only knew of The Phantom in his purple costume. I did some research and found out the worlds first Phantom comic book was published in May 1937 by Casa Editrice G.Nerbini in Italy called L' Uomo Mascherato.

Packaging :The clam shell can be opened to take it out and place it back in without damaging it. There is a 2 sided card back inside. The front features art and the back has a photo of the figure.

Sculpt : The head was sculpted by well known Mego style customizer Charlee Flatt. I think it looks really nice. At first I thought the head may be too small for the body. The more I look at it, the more I like it.

Paint : The parts painted on the figure are the head, rings, guns and belt. The application on the each part is near perfect. My only complaint is that the silver paint on the buckle rubbed off on the bubble and guns on the inner holster. If the guns were cast in silver and paint wouldn't rub, I'd have no complaints.

Clothing : The body suit has overall good stitching and color. The boots are rubber like that fit perfectly.

Articulation: The body is a modernized version of the Mego figure. The hands are flexible and the biceps swivel unlike the vintage Mego body. It has numerous points of articulation. The negatives are the right hip doesn't seem properly aligned and the left knee joint is slightly loose.

Accessories : The Phantom comes with his trademark pistols and belt with holsters. The pistols are well sculpted and fit perfectly into his hands and holsters. The holsters are rubbery with a skull buckle painted silver.

Price : It's hard to put a value on this as it was not intended to be sold to the public. I got mine for less than $30. Expect to pay closer to $100-$150 for this version. The standard purple Phantom sells for $20.

The Verdict : I feel this figure is worth getting if you are a fan of The Phantom. I own 4 other figures from Cast A Way and none have the joint problems I listed for this figure. Cast A Way posted on their site that they have a new style body for future figures.